After a pause in scheduling visa appointments for students and exchange visitors on June 18, 2025, the Department of State announced that it would resume scheduling and processing F, M and J visa applications at consular posts abroad. However, the Department of State has implemented expanded and extreme vetting measures. Specifically, pursuant to new guidance, consular officers will extensively and comprehensively review the online presence of all  F, M and J  applicants.  To facilitate this vetting, the government is requiring F and J visa applicants to adjust the privacy settings on all social media profiles to “public.”

The American Immigration Lawyers Association has reported that, according to an internal Department of State cable:

• • All F, M. or J visa applicants (new or renewal/returning) who are otherwise eligible, will initially be refused a visa for further review (often referred to as a 221(g) refusal). The Department of State is then expected to undertake its comprehensive vetting of the applicant.
• • Consular officers are instructed to review the entire online presence of applicants – not only social media.
• • Consular officers are instructed to look for any potentially derogatory information, including information related to any “any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States; of advocacy for, aid or of support for designated foreign terrorists and other threats to U.S. national security; or of support for unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence.”
• • Consular posts are instructed to prioritize visas for J-1 physicians, and F-1 students at U.S. universities where international students comprise less than 15% of the student population.

Due to the backlogs created by the scheduling pause and the new applicant review protocols, significant delays to secure an appointment and a visa are expected.  Individuals needing to apply for an F, M or J visa should check the relevant consulate website for appointment availability and consult with immigration counsel if they have questions regarding eligibility for visas and risks.

Note:  Although China is not presently subject to a travel ban, the Department of State has announced that it is enhancing scrutiny of Chinese nationals applying for visas, including review and potential revocation of visas for students with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields (not defined).  We will continue to monitor how these policies are implemented.

Applicants who have concerns about the effects of this development should seek legal advice before departing the United States.